The hardware and software you need for a virtual game night

The hardware and software you need for a virtual game night

Winter is the perfect time of year to organize a traditional game night with family and friends. However, if you don't want to set foot outside in the snow and cold, or if your friends are scattered around the world, that doesn't mean the game night has to fall through. Thanks to the Internet, it is now very easy to play classic games together virtually. You can connect with your loved ones at any time and even play classic board games virtually. With the right equipment and the right programs for Windows, your virtual game night will be a success.

Hardware: The right equipment

Don't worry, you don't necessarily need a high-tech gaming laptop with high computing powerYou don't need a computer or laptop suitable for everyday use to organize a virtual game night. Ideally, it should run Windows 10 or 11, but older operating systems should also meet the requirements. All participants will need a webcam so that you can connect with your friends in the best possible way and see each other clearly. If you are using a laptop, this is usually already built in, so you don't necessarily have to buy a new webcam. However, the quality of the built-in camera is usually rather low. If you want your friends to be able to see you in razor-sharp detail, a high-quality external webcam may be worthwhile.

The same applies to the microphone. Most laptops already have a built-in microphone and speakers, but the sound quality usually leaves a lot to be desired. A headset with a microphone is therefore recommended so that you can communicate in the best possible way. This allows you to hear the other players better and increases the voice quality. Whether large Over-ear gaming headphones or small in-ear earphones with built-in microphone, there is a wide range of headsets suitable for video calls. It's best to choose one without a cable so you can move around freely (did someone say charades?).

Games: The game program

Once the technical equipment is ready, the next step is to choose the games to be played on the games evening. It is best to think about which games should be played together with the game participants in advance so that you can download the appropriate game software in advance. There is a huge selection of digital versions of well-known board games and modern party games. For example, you can move your poker evening into the virtual realm by playing on online platforms. You can find all the important Information and terms for a popular leisure activity that all participants can familiarize themselves with in advance - from All In and Big Blind to Showdown and Top Pair, everyone can find out about the rules. Virtual poker games can then be played with friends using the corresponding game program, which each participant can download first.

Even classic Board games such as the acclaimed strategy game Catan can now be played in digital form on a PC. Participants can download the game software in advance so that they can get started straight away on the evening of the game. Numerous other classics, from Monopoly and Risk to Exploding Kittens and UNO, are now also available in the form of online games. Simply select the games you want and inform all participants so that they can download the corresponding game software. However, games can also be played without software, as party classics such as Charades do not require any equipment and can also be played virtually. There are even word generators on online platforms that generate the words at random.

Video software: The program for the video call

The game night would only be half as entertaining if the participants could not see and hear each other. It is therefore important for a successful games evening, a popular service for video calls to use. It is best to choose a program that most of the participants already have and know, such as Skype. This makes it easier to communicate during the game night and you can connect directly. Call services such as Zoom or Google Meet can also be suitable. And of course you shouldn't forget Discord, where you can chat with friends and create your own communities. Participants should download the appropriate software in advance and have a camera and microphone ready to start the game night. When you can see each other and chat while playing, you almost feel like you're in the same place.

In today's globalized age, it is becoming increasingly common for friends and family to be spread all over the world. However, this does not mean that the popular game night full of classic games can no longer take place, because thanks to the Internet, game nights are now simply moved to the virtual gaming table. With this hardware and software, nothing stands in the way of game night.